Best time to visit Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik holidays live up to the hype. A medieval walled city is usually enough, but one that overlooks a coastline that would usurp every shade of blue and green of any artist’s palette, makes it memorable in the extreme.

BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBROVNIK

Konavle and the Pelješac Peninsula, especially, come alive during harvest time with October perfect for autumnal explorations between wine estates and characterful villages.

The best time to visit Dubrovnik is autumn for hiking and cycling or summer if you prefer salty and sun-kissed sailing, swimming or kayaking. In Nov-Dec, local people regain the streets for Christmas and New Year with the three-day celebration of St Blaise, at the end of Jan, a truly enlightening occasion. Easter festivals see a milder climate providing ideal conditions for walkers and cyclists, although sea temps maybe still too chilly for some. The warmer summer weather attracts the cruise crowds so it's best to avoid major ports in July-Aug, or wait until mid-afternoon after they've scuttled off back to their bunks.

THINGS TO DO IN DUBROVNIK

Things to do in Dubrovnik…

From pines and pastures in Konavle to vineyards and oysters on the Pelješac Peninsula, the Dubrovnik region holds some superb scenery for cycling , with islands like Korcula, Hvar and Brac combining healthy ascents with beach time and lavender fields. Those preferring paddles over pedals are equally blessed with the Elaphiti archipelago, in particular, conjuring coves bereft of all but polished pebbles and crystal clarity.Although islands close to Dubrovnik are accessible by ferry sometimes those queues and crowds can get a bit much, especially during the crazy, hazy days of summer. Swapping dry land for a life afloat is the best way to banish the bosun's blues with a skippered small ship offering access to the islands of the Dalmatian Coast as you cruise from one scenic anchorage or secret islet to the next. Towel, swimmers, sun cream and hiking boots - you’re ready for a walking tour around Dubrovnik . Car free islands, shaded forests and secluded beaches, only accessible on foot, are ideal for a walking itinerary with organised tours taking the stress out of ferry timetables, hire cars and finding suitable accommodation. Expect: pines and lakes on Mljet, castles and chapels on Sipan, and watermills and waterfalls along the Ljuta River in Konavle.

Things not to do in Dubrovnik...

The Greeks knew it, the Venetians knew it and near enough every Mediterranean cruise company knows it - so try to avoid city sightseeing in summer between 9am – 4pm. Witness the city waking up, before the tourists, or take a cable car to see the sun rise or set from Mount Srdj. Also aim to enter the Old Town via Ploce Gate, rather than Pile, for less hustle and bustle. Overtourism in Dubrovnik is rife. Find out why, and what you can do to help lessen the load.There are some serious crests and descents surrounding Dubrovnik and not just the swells of the Adriatic. Konavle Valley, the Elaphiti Islands and Pelješac Peninsula all plead with you not to opt out of activities with kayaking between Lopud and Kolocep, cycling around Sipan and quad biking along the rocky coast and through the pines to the village of Cilipi, awesome excuses to experience life on the sunny side.School holidays and high temps attract the crowds to Dubrovnik during July and August with cruise ships unloading seafaring souvenir hunters at Pile Gate . Either side of summer the Old Town buzzes with caffeine-fuelled locals whilst, outside the city walls, empty trails lead to resplendent vineyards where smoked hams, dried figs, regional cheeses and locally-grown olives offer a taste of the good life, far from the madding crowd.

DUBROVNIK TRAVEL ADVICE

Local haunts

"Local people prefer to go to the historic Old Town in Dubrovnik. Most authentic markets, taverns, cafes and markets are in the historical centre and in that ring around city walls. We call this area ‘Grad’ (which means city) and even in the most crowded months local people love to go to Grad, but the real feel of Dubrovnik is in the off season, during the winter months, Christmas and New Year.”

Local haunts

Summer fun

Summer fun

“The Dubrovnik summer festival is very lively these days with actors, singers and artists coming from all over the world. Streets, squares, markets and fortresses are stages and performers are often very interactive with locals and audience.”

Escape the crowds

Escape the crowds

“For one of the best hidden spots in Dubrovnik you have to go through the hole in the southern city walls where you'll be able to swim and relax at the locals' favourite: the Buza Bar café. (Buza means hole-in-the-wall.)”

Escape the crowds

Where to walk

Where to walk

There is a beautiful 1.5hr walk on Lapad Peninsula from the Port of Gruz to Lapad Bay. On the way you can see lovely 16th century summer villas, yachts in the marinas, great restaurants and lovely beaches with some trendy lunch bars.”

Easy like Sunday morning

Easy like Sunday morning

“Visit the market in Gruz harbour and buy fresh fish and seasonal fruit and veggies from the local fields nearby. Alternatively, walk the city walls or head to one of the local beaches: Bellevue, Dance, St.Jakov or Buza.”

Easy like Sunday morning

Tips from our travellers

At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often... other travellers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.

We have selected some of the most useful Dubrovnik travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday.

Be ready for hot weather, but expect an occasional windy summer, leading to some big waves on the sea.

- James Megarry

“Pack a towel and gear for swimming, wide brimmed hat, high factor sun lotion, good walking shoes (to protect toes) and a travel kettle for an early cup of tea.” Linda Fee

“We went in early June but it was still hot. We took good walking shoes and small backpacks which proved to be a good decision, as hiking uphill in the heat would have been even harder with large, full backpacks.” Maddie Heath

“Take a strong insect repellent if you are walking in the countryside.” Dianne Baker

“Springtime is wonderful, not too hot but Islands lush and green and covered in flowers and herbs. An umbrella is useful for rain and sun and be prepared for swims.” Joy Field

“I went in early June, when the plant life was green, the weather was warm but not hot, and nothing was crowded.” Riley Hart

“If you are staying on Sipan and Lopud make sure you stay on Sipan first. It is a lovely island but very quiet with little to offer in the way of bars or restaurants. If you stay on Lopud first this can seem a bit of an anti climax.” Eunice Gray

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